If you’ve seen ads for home title lock insurance with the two guys in a car warning viewers how easy it is to steal your home title and equity with the slogan “Don’t let Steele & Holmes get their hands on your hard-earned equity”, they might have you worried. After all, the ads say thieves can steal the title to your home. But then the ads tell you to buy title lock insurance to supposedly prevent home title theft. Per the FTC, “It’s just a ploy to scare you”.

 

FREE ALERT SERVICES AVAILABLE IN SOME COUNTIES

Free alert services are available in County Property Appraisers offices across the United States. I found mine by doing a search for “(my county) Property Alert Service” where I was able to sign up for free by entering my Parcel ID from the Property Appraiser’s website, my name, email address & phone number.  They will alert me if any activity occurs regarding my property deed title.

 

 

Home title lock insurance? Not a lock at all

If you’ve seen ads for home title lock insurance, they might have you worried. After all, the ads say thieves can steal the title to your home. But then the ads tell you to buy title lock insurance to supposedly prevent home title theft. Stop. Take a breath.

Per the above article from the Federal Trade Commission; “First, know that “title lock insurance” is not title insurance. If you’re a homeowner, you might remember buying title insurance when you first bought your house. It protects you against challenges to the title, like a lien you didn’t know about. But “title lock insurance” is different — and it’s not insurance at all. Instead, it’s a service that claims to monitor your deed to protect you against title fraud. You’d only find out AFTER your title got transferred to someone else without your authorization. So much for the lock”.

“Title fraud is identity theft: someone pretends to be you and transfers your deed to someone else. Title lock insurance (again: not a lock, not insurance) wouldn’t stop that. And you can check your title for free with your state’s land records office, and some areas even have a free notification program that allows you to sign up for alerts about any legal changes, like ownership of a property”.

Here are some other steps you can take to protect yourself from identity thieves:

• Check your credit report. Check your credit report for free through AnnualCreditReport.com. Each of the nationwide credit bureaus lets you get free weekly credit reports online.
• Monitor your bills. If you suddenly stop receiving utility bills, that may be a sign of identity theft. If you’re worried, contact your utility company directly.
• Get help. If you suspect identity theft, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a free, personalized recovery plan.

And if you spot a scam, tell the FTC.

 

How to PROTECT your HOME TITLE from Theft for FREE

 

Three Reasons Why I Don’t Recommend Title Lock Insurance | McLario Helm Bertling & Spiegel S.C.

Learn why Title Lock Insurance may not be worth it. Discover key reasons to avoid it and protect your property today!

Per the above article:  Three Reasons Why I Don’t Recommend Title Lock Insurance (click article to read)

1. Title Theft is Extremely Rare

2. Title Lock Insurance Doesn’t Lock Anything

3. Title Lock Insurance Doesn’t Provide a Clear Service in the Event of Fraud

 

Homeowners Increasingly Victimized By Title Theft

 

Scammers are taking out $45,000 home loans without the owner knowing it

 

How A Scammer Can Steal Your Home

 

Scammers can steal the title to your home, but it’s rare and easily preventable

 

Two Ways to Avoid Having Your House Deed Stolen by Fraudsters

 

How To Protect Your Home Title

 

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